It is a lot of money. I plunked down more than I (or my wife ) ever thought I would for a bike for my Surly, but I bought it without riding one. It was a anxiety-producing decision, but, in the end, I had found a shop I really liked and trusted. They did a very careful fitting, listened closely to what I needed and wanted, and were reassuring about what would happen if the bike wasn't right.

If you asked me a couple of years ago, I would have never agreed to such a large purchase without a test-ride, but my shop got it right, and they laughed at the size of my grin when I walked back in the door after the first ride.